ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: A few months ago, I traveled home for winter break and went on a date with a former classmate. I was surprised when he asked me out, mainly because growing up, I was the only gay boy in my grade. To be honest, I really wasn't even that interested in him; I just wanted to see what this was about. Turns out, we get along well. He ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had a birthday party for my 8-year-old son at a trampoline park. The party package requires an exact headcount, and charges a rather steep fee per child.

Along with my son's friends, we invited some of their siblings, whom we are close with. A parent I'd never met showed up with her son, who'd been invited, and her middle ...Read more

Dear Annie: My neighbor "Rod" installed a motion-activated floodlight that shines directly into our bedroom window every time our dog (or another animal) moves in the yard -- which is often. It goes off all night long.

I mentioned it once, and he said, "It's for security," and suggested we "get better curtains." We already have blackout ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife recently immigrated to our current residence in the U.S. from Canada. She has a 23-year-old son dealing with mental illness back in Canada. He refuses to remain in therapy or to hold a steady job, and he failed out of university.

My wife consistently lowers her expectations and continues to support him. As a result, he has ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been going out with this guy for a few months now. He's great. His energy makes me feel comfortable, we have great conversations and he is well-mannered. When we have disagreements, they stay respectful and productive; however, there is one caveat: He has two kids, a son and daughter. They are both in middle school, and ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I work around machinery that features rotating plastic molds. While not common, the molds occasionally catch on a person's clothing and damage the zipper of one's pants. When that occurs, it is impossible to rezip the pants and the person has to replace the zipper when they get home.

If I happen to spot one of my co-workers ...Read more

Dear Annie: Hopefully you can help me. I've read your column for years. My two kids are adults and have kids of their own, and they have always gotten along. However, last Thanksgiving, my son and his family decided not to stay when they found out my granddaughter was there.

My granddaughter is gay and was recently married last fall to her ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: For the past three years, my family has had reunions with my older half-sister, "Sybil." We did not grow up together, and we have very different lifestyles. I grew up with little money and numerous hardships; Sybil grew up having every need and want met. She's successful and wealthy.

I am proud of her and everything she has ...Read more

Let's pick up right where we left off last week, talking about the creation of your personal support group.

Step 4: Phone each of the referrals and explain the reason for your call. They'll be flattered that their professional advice attracts you, but if they're too busy to talk, make an appointment. (Make clear that you don't need their ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently started working as a manager of a bank in New York City, and I'm having a hard time fitting in socially because most of my co-workers come from extremely wealthy families. They often talk about their extravagant weekend plans that include skiing or taking weekend trips. I don't come from this type of money, so it's ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a 37-year-old woman who moved back to my small hometown, where I sporadically run into an old high school teacher. I've greeted her each time as "Mrs. Jones."

While out with some old classmates, we again ran into Mrs. Jones, and I noticed that all of them warmly addressed her by her first name. They told me later that ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a neighbor whom I used to enjoy very much. We would chat at the mailbox, exchange holiday cookies and occasionally sit on each other's porch for a friendly visit. She was the kind of neighbor everyone hopes to have close by.

Lately, though, things have changed. She now drops by without calling, often at the worst possible ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A longtime friend recently accused me of lying about my education, and I'm still stunned by it. I completed my undergraduate studies in the U.S., earning a BA, and later earned a master's degree from a French university. Recently, during an exchange on Facebook, my friend asserted, quite confidently, that I was lying about my academic...Read more